Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft Windows

Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft Windows

Released October 2001
Publisher(s): Sams
ISBN: None

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Book description

John guides the reader through the new and unfamiliar Windows interface, while introducing the new features. The book provides information in several formats, all integrated with theory, tutorials, procedures, tips and comprehensive.

Topics range from: *

  • Installation of Windows XP

  • *

  • Whether to upgrade and if so, how to do it

  • *

  • Configuring services and setting up users

  • *

  • Navigation of the new menus

  • *

  • Explanation of the new internet options, such as third party cookie alert, firewalls, and web publishing wizard

  • *

  • Registry configurations

  • *

  • Integration ideas for home networks and explanations about using the networking wizards

  • *

  • Accessory overview

  • *

  • Using XP on laptops

  • *

  • Working with Linux

  • Maintaining the system & productivity tips

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
    1. Dedication
  2. About the Author
  3. Acknowledgments
  4. Tell Us What You Think!
  5. Introduction
    1. Intended Audience
    2. Conventions Used in this Book
  6. 1. At a Glance
    1. 1. Introduction to Windows XP
      1. Why Windows XP Is a Good Choice
      2. How Can You Use Windows XP?
      3. What’s New in Windows XP?
        1. Common Features
          1. User Interface Features
          2. Remote Assistance
          3. Windows Movie Maker
          4. Reduced Need for Reboots
          5. Easier Installation
        2. Professional Edition Exclusive Features
          1. Enhanced Scalability
          2. Full NTFS-Based Security
          3. Desktop Management
          4. File Management
          5. Dual View Monitors
          6. XP Networking Support
        3. Enhanced File Management
        4. Connectivity
        5. Help and Support Center
        6. Automated System Repair
        7. User and System Management
      4. Hardware Requirements
      5. Windows XP Problem Areas
      6. Summary
        1. Q&A
      7. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    2. 2. Windows XP Installation and Configuration
      1. Planning Your Installation
      2. Installing from the CD
        1. GUI Installation
        2. Character Mode Installation
      3. Installing from a Network
      4. Unattended Installations
      5. Creating a Dual Boot Setup
      6. Windows XP Upgrades
        1. Upgrade Tips
        2. Using Windows Update
        3. Using Automatic Updates
        4. Installing DirectX Support
        5. Locating Other Important Upgrades
      7. Checking the Installation
        1. Checking the Logs
        2. Using Device Manager
        3. Consulting Event Viewer
      8. Summary
      9. Q&A
      10. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    3. 3. Exploring the Interface
      1. An Overview of Windows Explorer
        1. My Documents
        2. My Computer
        3. My Network Places
        4. Recycle Bin
        5. Briefcase
        6. Other Elements
        7. Explorer Bars
        8. Toolbars
        9. Task Pane
        10. Details Column Selection
      2. Changing the View
        1. Selecting and Configuring the Start Menu
        2. Selecting a Start Menu
        3. Simple Start Menu
        4. Classic Start Menu
        5. Folder Options
        6. General Options
        7. View Options
        8. File Types
        9. Offline Files
      3. Working with the Taskbar
        1. Toolbars
        2. Existing Toolbars
        3. Adding New Toolbars
        4. Window Management
        5. Taskbar Properties
        6. Date/Time Adjustment
        7. Task Manager
        8. Application Management
        9. Working with Processes
        10. Monitoring Performance
        11. Managing Users
      4. Managing the Desktop
        1. Using Themes
        2. Desktop Configuration
        3. Screen Saver Settings
        4. Changing Windows Appearance
        5. Adjusting the Video Settings
      5. Summary
      6. Q&A
        1. Workshop
      7. Quiz
      8. Exercises
    4. 4. Getting Online
      1. Creating a Connection Using Internet Connection Wizard
        1. Creating a New Connection
        2. Transferring an Existing Connection
        3. Manually Creating a Connection
        4. Working with LAN Connections
        5. Creating an E-mail and Newsgroup Account
      2. Internet Connection Sharing Ins and Outs
        1. Working with Internet Explorer
        2. Using the Explorer Bars
        3. Search versus Search the Web
        4. Printing Tips
        5. Sending Links
        6. Importing and Exporting Cookies and Favorites
        7. Understanding Web Page Properties
        8. Working with Related Links
        9. Favorite Sites
        10. Browsing Offline
        11. Adding a Page to Your Favorites
        12. Organizing Favorites
      3. Setting the Internet Options
        1. General
        2. Security
        3. Privacy
        4. Content
      4. Connections
        1. Programs
        2. Advanced Options
      5. Using NetMeeting
        1. Getting Set Up
        2. Making and Receiving Calls
        3. Using the Whiteboard
        4. Using Chat
        5. Sharing Applications
      6. Summary
      7. Q&A
      8. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    5. 5. Using Outlook Express
      1. Getting Started with Outlook Express
      2. Creating Newsgroup Accounts
      3. Subscribing to and Viewing Newsgroups
      4. Using Outlook Express Mail
        1. Connecting to a Mail Server
        2. Working with Folders
        3. Sending an E-mail Message
        4. Managing Your Address Book
        5. Tips for Safe E-mail Usage
        6. Working with Multiple Accounts
      5. Using Outlook Express News
        1. Configuring Outlook Express Newsreader for Use
        2. Writing a Newsgroup Message
        3. Tips for Safe Newsgroup Usage
        4. Outlook Express Options
        5. General
        6. Read
        7. Receipts
        8. Send
        9. Compose
        10. Signatures
        11. Spelling
        12. Security
        13. Connection
        14. Maintenance
      6. Summary
      7. Q&A
      8. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    6. 6. Accessory Overview
      1. Working with the Accessibility Features
        1. Accessibility Wizard
        2. Accessibility Options
        3. Magnifier
        4. Narrator
        5. On-Screen Keyboard
        6. Utility Manager
      2. A New Way to Collaborate
        1. Making a Remote Desktop Connection
        2. Using MSN Explorer
        3. Contacting Others Using the Windows Messenger Service
      3. Sending and Receiving Faxes
      4. Text Processing Aids
        1. Notepad
        2. Wordpad
        3. Character Map
      5. Summary
      6. Q&A
      7. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    7. 7. Playing with Multimedia and Games
      1. The Standard Windows Multimedia Add-ons
        1. Sound Recorder
        2. Volume Control
        3. Windows Media Player
          1. Windows Media Player General Operation
          2. Searching the Internet for Media Content
          3. Using the Media Library
          4. Creating Your Own Audio CD
      2. Using the Windows Movie Maker
        1. A Look at the Controls
        2. Creating a Movie
      3. Scanner and Camera Support
        1. Installing a New Device
        2. Configuration Tips
        3. Acquiring Images
      4. Multimedia Hardware Support
        1. Controlling Volume
        2. Selecting Sounds
        3. Configuring Audio
        4. Adjusting Voice
        5. Verifying Hardware
      5. Text to Speech Support
      6. Recording Your Own Data CDs
      7. Game Controller Configuration
      8. Configuring Windows Games
      9. Troubleshooting DirectX
      10. Troubleshooting Techniques for Network Gaming
        1. Adjusting Your LAN for Games
        2. Configuring Internet Games
      11. Playing Windows Games
      12. Summary
      13. Q&A
      14. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
  7. 2. At a Glance
    1. 8. Working with Users
      1. An Overview of Computer Management
        1. One MMC Console for Many Uses
        2. System Tools
        3. Storage
        4. Services and Applications
      2. Managing Local Users and Groups
        1. Using the User Accounts Applet
        2. Using the Local Users and Groups MMC Snap-in
          1. Working with Users
          2. Working with Groups
      3. Shared Drive and Folder Monitoring
        1. Using the Shared Files Snap-in
        2. Setting Drive Quotas
        3. Auditing Drive Access
      4. Multi-user Workstation Setup Tips
      5. Summary
      6. Q&A
      7. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    2. 9. Working with Software
      1. Adding and Removing Programs
        1. Applications
        2. Windows Features
      2. Using Event Viewer
      3. Checking Performance
        1. System Monitor Usage
          1. Using Counters
          2. Setting Graph Properties
          3. Selecting Another View
        2. Performance Logs and Alerts
          1. Creating Counter Logs
          2. Viewing Counter Logs
          3. Creating and Converting Trace Logs
          4. Creating Alerts
        3. General Windows Performance Tips
        4. Performance Tuning with Multiple CPUs
      4. Managing Data Sources
        1. Creating DSNs
        2. Checking Drivers
        3. Tracing Database Activity
      5. Summary
      6. Q&A
      7. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    3. 10. Working with Hardware
      1. Configuration Issues
      2. Using the Add Hardware Wizard
      3. Using Device Manager
        1. Understanding the Device Manager Views
        2. Working with Device Properties Dialog Boxes
          1. General Device Tab
          2. Driver Device Tab
          3. Resources Device Tab
          4. Special Device Tabs
      4. Using Profiles
      5. Hard Disk Configuration
        1. Working with Removable Storage
        2. Using Disk Management
        3. Using Data Compression
        4. Formatting Disks
        5. Setting Quotas
      6. Printer Installation and Configuration
        1. Printer Installation
        2. Quick Printing Techniques
        3. Managing Print Jobs
        4. Installing Fonts
        5. Removing Fonts
        6. Viewing and Printing Fonts
      7. Keyboard Optimization
        1. Changing the Settings
        2. Installing Regional and Language Support Options
      8. Mouse Setting Configuration and Adjustment
      9. Video Advanced Settings
      10. Phone or Modem Configuration
        1. Dialing Rules
        2. Modem
        3. Advanced
      11. Summary
      12. Q&A
      13. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    4. 11. Configuring Services
      1. An Overview of the Control Panel
      2. Understanding the Active Directory Connection
      3. Modifying Service Settings
      4. Configuring the Indexing Service
      5. Setting Power Usage
        1. Creating Management Schemes
        2. Setting the Advanced Options
        3. Enabling Hibernate Support
      6. Summary
      7. Q&A
      8. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    5. 12. Working with the Registry
      1. Using RegEdit
        1. Whatever Happened to REGEDT32?
        2. Importing and Exporting Registry Data
        3. Loading and Unloading Hives
        4. Working with Network Registries
        5. Editing and Creating New Keys and Values
        6. Deleting, Renaming, and Copying Keys and Values
        7. Setting Permissions
        8. Locating Specific Data
        9. Keeping Track of Favorite Locations
      2. Modifying File Associations
      3. Saving and Restoring Application Settings
      4. Registry Settings Located in INF Files
      5. Tips for Avoiding Registry Disasters
      6. Summary
      7. Q&A
      8. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    6. 13. Using Laptops and Handheld Devices
      1. Special Configuration Issues for Laptops
      2. Special Configuration Issues for Handheld PCs
      3. Data Transfers
        1. Using HyperTerminal
          1. Creating a Telnet Connection
          2. Creating a Peer Connection
          3. Setting Connection Properties
          4. Sending and Receiving Files
          5. Capturing a Session
          6. Sending Text
          7. Testing Your Modem
        2. Using Infrared
        3. Tips for Circumventing Data Transfer Problems
      4. Working with PCMCIA
      5. Using Briefcase
      6. Installing Microsoft ActiveSync
      7. Power Management Strategies
      8. Summary
      9. Q&A
      10. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    7. 14. Setting Up a Network with Windows XP
      1. General Network Setup
        1. Installing Protocols, Clients, and Services
        2. Removing Versus Disabling Features
        3. NIC Configuration
        4. TCP/IP Configuration
      2. Configuring a Personal Firewall
      3. Configuring Authentication Options
      4. Special Hardware Considerations
        1. Working with Network-Ready Devices
        2. Using Universal Plug and Play
      5. Simple Network Management Protocol
        1. Installing SNMP Support
        2. Creating Traps
      6. Using the Routing Information Protocol (RIP) Listener
      7. Working with Queued Components
        1. What Are Queued Components?
        2. Installing Queued Components
        3. Configuring Queued Components
        4. Managing Message Queues
          1. Exporting Queue Data
          2. Dead Letter Messages Queue
          3. Checking the Event Viewer
        5. Queued Components’ Limitations
      8. Summary
      9. Q&A
      10. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
  8. 3. At a Glance
    1. 15. Using Windows Networking
      1. Using the Network Setup Wizard
      2. Building a Network
      3. Sharing Resources
      4. Using Remote Access Server (RAS)
        1. Configuring RAS
        2. Using the Routing and Remote Access MMC Snap-in
        3. Configuring the User Account
        4. An Overview of the Command Line Utilities
          1. Using NETSH
          2. Using RASDIAL
      5. Connecting with Dial-Up Networking
        1. Creating a Workplace Network Connection
          1. Dial-up Connections
          2. VPN Connections
        2. Creating an Advanced Connection
      6. Networking Services and Other Features
        1. SNMP Support
        2. SLIP and CSLIP Support
        3. Desktop Management Interface (DMI) Support
        4. Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Support
        5. Windows Sockets (WinSock) Support
      7. Summary
      8. Q&A
      9. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    2. 16. Configuring Security
      1. Creating a Security Plan
        1. Breaking the Company into Groups
        2. Security Plan Considerations
      2. Security Considerations for User Accounts
        1. Working with Groups
        2. Working with Users
      3. Managing File/Folder Access
        1. Creating Shares
        2. Working with Permissions
        3. Adding Security
      4. Setting Local Security Policy
        1. The Account Policies Folder
        2. The Local Policies Folder
        3. The Public Key Policies Folder
        4. The IP Security Policies on Local Computer Folder
      5. Encrypting Data on Your Hard Drive
      6. Overcoming Windows Security Deficiencies
      7. Tips for Thwarting Crackers Inside and Out
      8. Summary
      9. Q&A
      10. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    3. 17. Working with Linux
      1. Installing and Configuring Samba
        1. Making Linux Visible to Windows
        2. Encrypted versus Clear Text Passwords
          1. Using Encrypted Passwords
          2. Using Clear Text Passwords
        3. Configuring Samba
          1. Using SWAT
          2. Creating Shares
          3. Using Webmin
          4. Working with Linux
          5. Using Network Neighborhood
          6. Command Line Using NET Utility
      2. Using Linux as a Print Server
      3. Linux Security Differences
      4. Tips for Optimizing Linux Use with Windows
      5. Working with Linux Clients
      6. Summary
      7. Q&A
      8. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    4. 18. Working with NetWare
      1. Using the CSNW Applet
        1. Setting Login Options
        2. Getting Rid of Banners
        3. Running Login Scripts
      2. Using the NetWare Client
        1. What, No Windows Client?
        2. Installing the NetWare Client
        3. Configuring Your Novell Client
      3. Using NetWare Administrator
      4. Working with RConsole
        1. Remote Monitoring of Server Status
        2. Making Configuration Changes
      5. Installing Long Filename Support
      6. Understanding NetWare Printer Support
        1. Configuring Print Support with PServer
          1. Print Queue Setup
          2. Printer Setup
          3. Print Server Setup
        2. Using Novell Distributed Print Services (NDPS)
      7. Tips for Optimizing NetWare Use with Windows
      8. Summary
      9. Q&A
      10. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    5. 19. Creating Scripts and Automating Tasks
      1. Script Essentials
        1. Running Scripts
        2. Host and Property Page Options
        3. Creating Script Job Files
      2. Working with Scripting Objects
        1. Using the WScript Object
          1. Using the WScript.WshArguments Object
          2. Using the WScript.WshShell Object
          3. Using the WScript.WshNetwork Object
        2. Scripting in VBScript and JavaScript
      3. Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
        1. Working with the Old Computer
        2. Working with the New Computer
      4. Scheduling Tasks
        1. Using the GUI
          1. Setting the Task Scheduler Options
          2. Creating Tasks
          3. Modifying Tasks
          4. Deleting and Renaming Tasks
        2. Using the AT Command Line Utility
        3. Combining Scripts and Task Scheduling
      5. Using Synchronize
      6. Summary
      7. Q&A
      8. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    6. 20. Developing a Web Page
      1. Working with Internet Information Server
        1. Installing New Components
        2. Exploring Configuration Issues
          1. Working with Global Settings
          2. Configuring FTP Sites
          3. Working with Web Sites
          4. Working with Web Site Directories
          5. Configuring Web Page Properties
        3. Creating Virtual Directories
        4. Working with the SMTP Service
      2. Creating Web Pages
        1. Using FrontPage Express
          1. An Overview of the Controls
          2. Starting a Simple Web Page
          3. Adding Some Content
        2. Shareware Products That Really Work
          1. Evrsoft First Page III
          2. MVD WebExpress
          3. Allaire HomeSite
          4. Trout Software Hippie
          5. Lorenz Graf’s HTMLtool
        3. Web Page Design Basics
      3. Summary
      4. Q&A
      5. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
    7. 21. Maintaining Your System and Finding Problems
      1. Maintenance Issues
        1. Using Error Checking
        2. Data Backups and Restore
          1. Creating a Backup with Backup Wizard
          2. Restoring a Backup with Backup Wizard
          3. Creating a Backup
          4. Restoring a Backup
        3. Optimizing Your Hard Drive
          1. Disk Cleanup
          2. Disk Defragmenter
      2. Locating Software Problems
        1. Using the System Configuration Utility
        2. Finding Unneeded Drivers
        3. Setup or Configuration Errors
          1. Startup Problems
          2. Hardware Configuration Problems
        4. Memory-Related Problems
        5. Driver-related Problems
        6. Problems Associated with Multiple CPU Machines
      3. Locating Hardware Problems
        1. Quick Tips for a Clean Machine
        2. Running Machine Level Diagnostics
          1. System Information (WINMSD)
        3. The Importance of Maintaining a DOS Partition
        4. Running Specialty Diagnostics
          1. TuffTest
          2. PC-Technician
          3. CheckIt
          4. Serial and Parallel Port Loopback Plugs
      4. Locating Network Problems
        1. Using the PING Utility
        2. Using a Cable Scanner
      5. Summary
      6. Q&A
      7. Workshop
        1. Quiz
        2. Exercises
  9. A. Answers to the Quiz Questions
    1. Day 1
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    2. Day 2
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    3. Day 3
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    4. Day 4
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    5. Day 5
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    6. Day 6
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    7. Day 7
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    8. Day 8
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    9. Day 9
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    10. Day 10
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    11. Day 11
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    12. Day 12
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    13. Day 13
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    14. Day 14
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    15. Day 15
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    16. Day 16
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    17. Day 17
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    18. Day 18
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    19. Day 19
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    20. Day 20
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
    21. Day 21
      1. Quiz
      2. Exercises
  10. B. 52 Productivity Tips that Really Work
  11. C. Top Ten Windows Web Sites Exposed
    1. 1. Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite for Windows (http://www.winsupersite.com/)
    2. 2. W2KNews (http://www.w2knews.com/)
    3. 3. Desktop Engineers Junk Drawer (http://desktopengineer.com/)
    4. 4. WinOScentral.com (http://www.winoscentral.com/)
    5. 5. BrainBuzz.com (http://networking.brainbuzz.com/)
    6. 6. Tucows (http://idirect.tucows.com/)
    7. 7. ZDNet (http://www.zdnet.com/)
    8. 8. NoNags Software (http://nonags.com/)
    9. 9. CryptoGram Newsletter (http://www.counterpane.com/crypto-gram.html)
    10. 10. WinFiles.com (http://winfiles.cnet.com/)
    11. Summary
  12. D. Windows XP Command Line Reference
    1. Using Telnet and Telnet Server Administrator
      1. Starting and Configuring the Server
      2. Using the Simple Telnet Client
      3. Using the Telnet Administrator
    2. Using Simple TCP/IP Services
    3. Using the Most Popular Command Line Utilities
      1. DEFRAG
      2. DRIVERQUERY
      3. EDIT
      4. EVENTCREATE and EVENTQUERY
      5. OPENFILES
    4. Summary
  13. Glossary
    1. Introduction
    2. Terms

Product information

  • Title: Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft Windows
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: October 2001
  • Publisher(s): Sams
  • ISBN: None